Chris Brown goes to jail early, out after 45 minutes, quits music

CaptionControversial figure

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Chris Brown's name evokes controversy these days, so it's easy to forget that he once had a role model image. From high school crooner to R&B star both idolized and vilified, here's a brief look at Chris Brown's life and career.

Chris Brown's name evokes controversy these days, so it's easy to forget that he once had a role model image. From high school crooner to R&B star both idolized and vilified, here's a brief look at Chris Brown's life and career. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Chris Brown released his self-titled first album in 2005 after signing with Jive the year before at 15. His first single, "Run It," debuted at No. 1, making it the highest-charting debut single for a male solo artist in Billboard history.

Chris Brown released his self-titled first album in 2005 after signing with Jive the year before at 15. His first single, "Run It," debuted at No. 1, making it the highest-charting debut single for a male solo artist in Billboard history. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

The "Fine China" singer, whose career has been predominantly put in context of his tumultuous relationship with singer Rihanna, spent about 45 minutes in jail Monday as a result of a sentencing that stems from a May hit-and-run incident, according to TMZ.

Following the fender-bender, Brown promptly took to Twitter to proclaim his innocence after allegedly rear-ending a Mercedes with a woman behind the wheel.

Brown reportedly went to jail a day early, according to the site, and was booked and released on his own recognizance. He is free until his Aug. 19 probation hearing in which he could face up to four years in jail if found in violation, MTV News reported.

Perhaps spending some time in the slammer, albeit brief, is what changed his outlook on life?

Shortly after being released, the Grammy-winning singer was spotted at AV Nightclub in Hollywood with his entourage at a VIP table, the nightclub's rep said. The following day, Brown took to Twitter to assure "America" that he was done being famous ... or infamous.

"Being famous is amazing when it's for ur music and talent," he added. "I'm tired of being famous for a mistake I made when i was 18. I'm cool & over it!"

That mistake happens to be his 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna that left the songstress bloodied and bruised the night before the Grammy Awards. A media maelstrom followed when photos of Rihanna's brutalized face leaked online.

The singer has repeatedly tried to reinvent himself and move away from the reckless persona he built. The album is slated to be released Aug. 26 after it was pushed back from July 16. On July 19, Brown held an online listening session to preview two of the slow jams from the album, "Something Special" and "Sex You Up."

But in light of his latest run-ins with the law, it is unclear if Tuesday's remarks are just another publicity stunt to get his project some more recognition.

The "F.A.M.E." machine let out a tweet that made it seem that he was not yet done with the spoils of recognition.

"LA! I wanna chill with my biggest fans! Just tell @VEVO why you're #TeamBreezy for a chance to meet me!!"

Lollapalooza 2015 is underway in Chicago's Grant Park. Join our coverage of the three-day music festival, as Paul McCartney, Sam Smith, Metallica and Florence and the Machine headline. On the Tribune app? Click here to see the live blog.